The King has led tributes to David Hockney, praising the artist as the “greatest living genius” of the art world and a tireless champion of British creativity. In a statement issued from Buckingham Palace, the monarch highlighted Hockney’s “extraordinary contribution” to the visual arts over seven decades, noting his influence on generations of painters and his role in elevating British culture on the global stage.
Hockney, 87, is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in contemporary art. Born in Bradford in 1937, he rose to prominence in the 1960s as a leading figure in the pop art movement, before pioneering a distinctive style of photomontage and digital painting. His works, including “A Bigger Splash” and “Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures)”, have become iconic representations of modern life.
In his tribute, the King described Hockney as a “visionary” whose “bold use of colour and perspective” has reshaped the way we see the world. He also commended Hockney’s “unwavering commitment” to teaching and mentoring young artists, as well as his championing of British talent during a period when the domestic art market faced stiff competition from America and Europe.
“David Hockney’s genius is not merely in his paintings, but in his ability to inspire,” the statement read. “He has spent a lifetime encouraging others to look more closely, to see beauty in the ordinary, and to celebrate the unique spirit of British creativity."
The tribute comes ahead of a major retrospective of Hockney’s work at the National Portrait Gallery in London, scheduled to open next month. The exhibition, titled “Hockney: A Life in Colour”, will feature more than 200 pieces spanning his career, from early drawings to recent iPad paintings. Gallery director Sarah Brown said the show would “reaffirm Hockney’s status as a national treasure”.
The art world has responded with similar acclaim. Sir Nicholas Serota, former director of Tate Modern, called Hockney “a true pioneer whose curiosity and technical innovation have never faltered”. Meanwhile, the Royal Academy of Arts, where Hockney has exhibited for decades, described him as “a beacon of British ingenuity”.
Despite the accolades, Hockney has remained characteristically modest. In a rare public comment, he said he was “humbled” by the King’s words and hoped his work would continue to “bring joy and reflection” to audiences. He also reiterated his belief in the power of art to unite people across cultural divides, a theme that has recurred throughout his career.
The royal tribute is seen as part of a broader effort to bolster the cultural sector in Britain, which has faced funding cuts and declining attendance since the pandemic. Ministers have emphasised the role of the arts in soft power diplomacy, and Hockney’s international stature makes him an invaluable ambassador.
Critics, however, have questioned whether such a focus on individual “genius” risks overshadowing the contributions of other artists, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. But for now, the mood in London is one of celebration. As the King himself concluded: “David Hockney is a gift to our nation. Long may he continue to paint.”
